Stop students from playing games during a Classwize Class

This article provides a step-by-step approach to effectively using Classwize Rules to block gaming distractions and keep students focused during class.

Creating a Classwize Rule to Block the Gaming Category

The Gaming category includes a wide range of web and application-based games. By blocking this category, you can prevent students from accessing most games during class.

Steps to block the Gaming category:

1. Sign in to Classwize, open your class and go to Rules > New Rule.
   If this is your first rule, select Create Rule.
2. In the This rule controls field, search and select Gaming.
3. Ensure Blocked is selected by default.
4. In the This rule applies to field:
   
   1. Select the Whole class checkbox to block the Gaming category for the entire class.
   2. Search and select the student’s name to block the category for a specific student.
      Repeat this step to block the category for more students.
5. Select Add Rule.
   
   

   
   Video 1: Block the gaming category

     Tip

   If you have an existing Rule for gaming, you can edit that rule instead and ensure Blocked is selected.

Creating a Classwize Rule to Block the Gaming Category While Allowing a Specific Game

Sometimes, you may want to block all games except for specific educational ones like Minecraft Education.

Steps to allow a specific game while blocking other games:

1. Sign in to Classwize, open your class and go to Rules > New Rule.
   If this is your first rule, select Create Rule.
2. In the This rule controls field, search and select the specific game (such as Minecraft Education).
3. Ensure Allowed is selected.
4. In the This rule applies to field:
   
   1. Select the Whole class checkbox to allow the game signature for the entire class.
   2. Search and select the student’s name to allow the game for a specific student.
      Repeat this step to allow the game for more students.
5. Select New Rule.
6. In the This rule controls field, search and select Gaming.
7. Ensure Blocked is selected by default.
8. In the This rule applies to field:
   1. Select the Whole class checkbox to block the gaming category for the entire class.
   2. Search and select the student’s name to block the category for a specific student.
      Repeat this step to block the category for more students.
9. Select Add Rule.

Video 2: Allow a specific game

Creating a Classwize Rule to Block the Gaming Category While Allowing Access to Educational Games

You can block the Gaming category while still allowing access to a specific category of educational games.

Steps to allow Educational Games:

1. 1. Sign in to Classwize, open your class and go to select Rules > New Rule.
      If this is your first rule, select Create Rule.
   2. In the This rule controls field, search and select Educational Games.
   3. Ensure Allowed is selected.
   4. In the This rule applies to field:
      
      1. Select the Whole class checkbox to allow the Education Games category for the entire class.
      2. Search and select the student’s name to allow the category for a specific student.
         Repeat this step to allow the category for more students.
   5. Select New Rule.
   6. In the This rule controls field, search and select Gaming.
   7. Ensure Blocked is selected by default.
   8. In the This rule applies to field:
      
      1. Select the Whole class checkbox to block the gaming category for the entire class.
      2. Search and select the student’s name to block the category for a specific student.
         Repeat this step to block the category for more students.
   9. Select Add Rule.
      
      

      
      Video 3: Allow educational games

Identifying Embedded Games and Creating Block Embedded Games Content Modification Policy

Embedded games can be difficult to block as they may run inside other website domains, such as blogs or educational websites. Your school IT Support must create a policy to identify and block these games.

Steps to address embedded games:

1. Identify Embedded Games: Be vigilant about websites that may host embedded games. Platforms like Google Sites (for example https://sites.google.com/site/unblockedgame76) or specific educational resources might host embedded games.
2. Request a Content Modification Policy: Contact your school’s IT Support to create a Block Embedded Games Content Modification filtering policy.
3. Monitor and Report: Regularly monitor student activity and report any new instances of embedded games to your school’s IT Support for inclusion in the block policy.

Understanding the Gaming Category and its Child Categories

The Gaming category includes various gaming categories and signatures.

Categories within the Gaming category:

• Education Games: These games are designed with educational purposes in mind. Examples include Minecraft Education, which promotes creativity and problem-solving skills within an educational framework.
• Game Stores and Publishers: This category includes platforms for selling and distributing games. Examples are Steam, Epic Games Store, and other major game distribution websites. Blocking this category prevents students from accessing platforms where they can download or purchase games.
• Gaming Resources: This category encompasses websites and platforms that provide information about games, such as game reviews, walkthroughs, and forums. Websites like IGN, GameSpot, various gaming wikis and Discord fall under this category. Blocking gaming resources helps reduce distractions from non-playable content related to gaming.
• Video Games: This is the main category that includes various web-based and application-based games. This category includes popular games like Roblox, Fortnite, Among Us, and standard Minecraft. Blocking this category prevents access to these highly distracting games.

Major Gaming Signatures to Block

Popular games are often blocked due to their high distraction potential.

List of Major Games to consider:

• Minecraft: While the standard version is often blocked, Minecraft Education may be allowed.
• Fortnite: A popular battle royale game.
• Rocket League: A high-energy game combining soccer with vehicular acrobatics
• Among Us: A multiplayer game focusing on teamwork and betrayal.
• Roblox: A platform with a wide variety of user-generated games.
• League of Legends: A strategic multiplayer online battle arena game with a large player base.

Steps to block a specific game:

1. Sign in to Classwize, open your class and go to select Rules > New Rule.
   If this is your first rule, select Create Rule.
2. In the This rule controls field, search and select the specific game (such as Fortnite).
3. Ensure Blocked is selected by default.
4. In the This rule applies to field:
   
   1. Select the Whole class checkbox to block the game signature for the entire class.
   2. Search and select the student’s name to block the game signature for a specific student.
      Repeat this step to block the game for more students.
5. Select Add Rule.
   
   

   
   Video 4: Block a specific game